My Ichi-ban Japanese Restaurant (for now)

I don’t know why I ever stopped writing my blog, as I get so excited when I experience anything in Perth that reminds me of Japan. I just wish when I was living in Japan that I also recorded all the amazing things I saw, bought, did and ate. Oh well, perhaps I will reminisce another time.

But talking about amazing things, take Aisuru Sushi - the Japanese restaurant on the corner of William Street and James Street in Northbridge. I first got taken there for my birthday and it was amazing. I finally returned a few weeks ago, and nothing disappointed me.

Here’s what makes it special:

Photo courtesy of James Walker

·      You can sit on the street and enjoy your meal, whilst enjoying Perth weather (or just judging those who walk past).

·      It’s BYO. Yes, that’s correct. Bring a nice bottle of rose (or two) and take your time eating.

·      Vegan friendly. I am not vegan and either is my boyfriend, but with him being a vegetarian, it’s nice that he has a good selection to choose from. Which unfortunately in Japanese culture, is not always the case.

Best of all, the food is amazing. The sushi is fresh, innovative and delicious. I love ordering a bowl of hot miso, edamame and corn tempura (this is heaven in your mouth).

Go inside for lunch and watch them make it fresh in front of you or BYO and sit on the streets of Perth at night. Either way, you’ll have a great meal.

Fun fact: "Aisuru" means Love in Japanese (told to me by a Japanese friend who walked pasted the restaurant whilst on holiday). 

Aisuru Sushi don't have an official website but you can like them on facebook or read about them on Urbanspoon.

The Making of Japanese Curry

It was only last year, when I was living in Osaka for two months, that I tried Japanese curry for the first time. I assumed as it was one of the school’s (where I worked) provided lunches that it wasn’t top class. But you know what? I loved it. I thought it was the tastiest thing I had eaten. Like normal curry but with more of a sweet gravy taste. I would have had it more when I was there but the summer weather prevented this.

A couple of weeks ago, I got Japanese curry from Tan Po Po and I remembered how amazing it was. So, I decided to make it myself.

James researched and discovered most Japanese places use Golden Curry mix – which looks and feels like a solid stock cube (and looks like chocolate blocks).

Here’s what we did (and you can do too!):

1. Chop a couple of carrots, some potatoes, two onions, zucchini and firm tofu.

2. Fry the onions and carrot for a bit.

3. Add the other vegetables, cover with water and boil for about 10 minutes.

4. Crumble a few blocks of the curry and mix in the pot.

5. Add the tofu and stir the curry until you get the desired thickness.

6. Serve with some brown basmati rice.

7. Be traditional and eat with a spoon!

I highly recommend you try eating and / or making some Japanese curry. It may not look appealing but oh how looks can be deceiving. 

Photos courtesy of the lovely James Walker.